After not having a meeting last week, the Student Government Association (SGA) invited Provost Michael Soto as a guest speaker on Monday, Nov. 11.
Soto presented an idea to SGA that the University is contemplating putting into effect. The idea that was discussed revolves around how the university defines an accredited hour.
As of now, Point Park defines an accredited hour as 60 minutes of classroom contact per credit per week, but Point Park is almost the only university that uses that system in the United States. Most places define accredited hours as 50 minutes instead of 60 minutes.
Due to the way Point Park defines that credit hour, it requires more time in the classroom for each course.
“Courses have to be 90 minutes. Then you have 10 minutes to get down the elevator and hustle across campus,” Soto said. “Then get the elevator up and hope you make it on time.”
According to Soto, the redefining of the accredited hour will allow for additional options when scheduling.
It would allow the university to put a common hour into everyone’s schedule where no classes occur. This common hour would allow for club meetings, gatherings of the university community and more all because students and faculty would not be tied up in classes, according to Soto.
Soto opened the floor to SGA to discuss when the common hour should be. One possible time discussed was around lunch time.
“I worry that if it’s during eating time, then we will experience an overflow in dining halls and Boost Mobile lines,” Sen. Madigan Balfe said.
Sen. Sienna Wraith didn’t agree with Balfe on the matter.
“While it would cause a backup, it would help with issues like a student not being able to eat during mealtime because of classes,” Wraith said.
While there are positives to adjusting the accredited hour, concerns were raised from the performing arts and laboratory sciences faculty, according to Soto. The faculty in those areas have become accustomed to teaching for 98 minutes and are concerned they will not be able to give the same quality of instruction in less class time.
“Not everyone would have 75-minute class periods,” Soto said. “Some classes would meet for longer than that, perhaps 90 minutes.”
Additionally, should the concepts around a different accredited hour go into effect, it would not affect the number of credits needed for a degree. Instead, it would mostly affect how long students are in class.
In addition to discussing the concept for the accredited hour, SGA also voted on a new constitution for the Cozy Corner.
The Cozy Corner is a club with the goal to give students a place to relax and chill. They plan to have monthly crafts, puzzles, games and music.
SGA approved Cozy Corner’s constitution with a 9–0 vote.
Lastly, during the meeting, Graphic Designer Bee Pugh showcased their progress on an updated SGA logo.
“I just went through and made things symmetrical,” Pugh said. “I’m going to add the text later and ideally do the same thing with the color version.”
Students and staff are welcome to attend meetings held at 3:15 p.m. on Mondays, in the basement floor of the Student Center.
